A growing retail base and Northrup Grumman raise Waynesboro out of bedroom-community status
Waynesboro is built on contrasts. It’s experiencing a lot of growth, especially in the retail sector with incoming franchises, but it’s also surrounded by nature, which is often one of the first things that a local will mention. “Drive 10 minutes out and you’re in the country again,” says Cody Persinger, a Waynesboro native and team lead at Persinger Real Estate Group. “If you want to get away, you can get away.” Making sure that growth benefits everyone has been top of mind for city officials. In December 2024, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development partnered with Destination Downtown Waynesboro to help small businesses grow through grant opportunities.
In this city of 23,000 people, employment opportunities are centered on manufacturing, and the local economy is about to get a big boost with the impending arrival of Northrup Grumman. The aeronautics firm broke ground in February 2024 and is expected to bring hundreds of jobs. This could continue to bolster Waynesboro’s identity as a self-sufficient mountain town, gradually moving it away from its previous status as a bedroom community of Charlottesville.
Though not a large city, Waynesboro has a downtown with a range of amenities.
Waynesboro sits in the shadow of Shenandoah with it's famous skyline drive.
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Modern traditional homes reign in this price-diverse market
Waynesboro’s housing market thrives on providing a suburban experience, but it’s not quite known for its multi-family housing yet. “When people move here, they expect a detached single-family property with off-street parking and garage space,” says Persinger. “The townhouse market isn’t yet as strong as Charlottesville or Harrisonburg.” But the city generates interest with price diversity. “We work with a lot of first-timers who want a home for $250,000 or below. There are lots of options for that in this area,” says Persinger. Brick ranch-style homes are common. Many of the multi-story homes have a modern traditional look. Prices range from $185,000 to $850,000 but Persigner says “the average sale price that I see in Waynesboro is $325,000.” The local median is $300,000, lower than the national median of $406,100.
New build craftsman homes are popping up throughout the area.
Older brick ranch homes are available as well.
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Public, private and higher education options within reach
Waynesboro City Public Schools scores a B-minus from Niche. “Solid schools make it a popular option for families,” says Matthias John, a Realtor with Wiley Real Estate. Private education options are also in the area. Staunton is 15 miles west, home to Stuart Hall School, a renowned private school that dates back to the Civil War. Mary Baldwin University, founded in 1842, is also in Staunton. The University of Virginia is 25 miles east. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, it has nearly 26,000 students and is known for its law, literature and health care programs.
Waynesboro students can travel to the renowned Stuart Hall School in Staunton.
Also in Staunton is Mary Baldwin University, an esteemed all women's university.
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'Hot hangout' Sunset Park offers views
Waynesboro isn’t just adding new businesses to its roster – the city is also adding park space. Sunset Park opened in June 2024. “It’s a great place to overlook the whole city, and there’s a pavilion for cookouts,” says Persinger. “Sunset Park is pretty hot hangout right now.” Residents can quickly access some of the state’s most postcard-worthy destinations. “Waynesboro is known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park, some of Virginia’s most stunning natural landscapes,” says John. “It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Plenty of people go to the South River Greenway, a scenic trail perfect for walking and biking. The nearby Appalachian Trail provides even more opportunities to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area.”
The Greenway runs through Waynesboro and gives ready access to miles of hiking and biking trails.
Sunset Park overlooks Waynesboro and has a pavilion with tables perfect for a picnic.
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Comfort food on Main Street
Many big-box stores are situated on the outer rings of Waynesboro, especially east toward the Afton neighborhood, and new players keep being added. “We already have a shopping center anchored by Target, but a lot of companies coming in and investing money here, we’re gaining things really fast, this includes chain restaurants but also large companies like Amazon, which just opened a 1 million-square-foot distribution center in 2022,” says Persinger.
A walkable downtown presents a more boutique experience, with the arts playing a supporting role. “The city boasts a rich cultural scene, highlighted by the Wayne Theatre,” says John. Comfort food like pizza, tacos, hot dogs and deli sandwiches are steps away from the theater, and many sit-down restaurants like The Barn offer modern American cuisine. Saturdays bring out the farmers market, located where Main Street ends at the South River and the Greenway Trail. Basic City Beer Company and Seven Arrows Brewing Company bring cred to the local craft beer scene, too.
Dani's Pizza is one of several restaurants along East Main Street.
Get your morning coffee at Happ Coffee, which also has a spacious seating area perfect for hanging out.
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U.S. Routes 250 and 340 are key paths for traversing the city
A pair of thoroughfares makes it easy to traverse the city. “You’re likely going to be using two main roads: Route 250, which is a business corridor, and then Route 340, which runs parallel to Interstate 64. These two meet in Downtown Waynesboro,” says Persinger. “Of course, Main Street in Downtown Waynesboro is walkable.” By taking Interstate 64, drivers can complete the 28-mile journey to Charlottesville in little over half an hour. Several medical resources are in Charlottesville, too. “Or, many people go to Augusta Health in Fishersville,” says Persinger. Commuters can pick up the Afton Express bus at the Waynesboro Park and Ride. “A local bus system exists now, too, but it will become more prevalent as we grow,” says Persinger.
Violent and property crime lower than the state average
According to FBI data, violent crime in Waynesboro is lower than the state's average crime rate, while property crime is slightly higher than the state average. Both are lower than the national average. The city added a new police chief at the end of 2021.
Written By
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Jack Adams
Video By
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